Key for vehicle and drunken driving preventing device

ABSTRACT

The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle key capable of preventing the drunken driving. The vehicle key comprises a key portion with the forward end portion thereof insertable into the key hole of the vehicle such as a train, a motor bike and an automobile, a holder portion arranged at the base end portion of the key portion, a projection member projected from the holder portion along the key portion, a spring for urging the projection member in the direction of projection, a breath component detection means for detecting the alcohol contained in the breath of the user, and a lock mechanism for locking the projection member in a projected state in accordance with the detection result of the breath component detection means.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional Application of prior application Ser.No. 10/571,782, filed on Mar. 14, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,570,172,which was a §371 National Stage Application of PCT/JP04/13538, filed onSep. 16, 2004, the previous applications being hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a key for a vehicle for starting a prime moverof a vehicle such as a train, a motor bike, or an automobile and adrunken driving preventing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, traffic accidents caused by the drunken driving haveclosed up as a problem. Especially, the moral of the professionaldrivers of trucks and buses has declined to such a degree that serioustraffic accidents due to drunken driving are often caused by theprofessional drivers. In addition to drunken driving, some people drivea vehicle while taking drugs such as narcotics or thinner.

Means for suppressing the drunken driving include a mobile phone havingbuilt therein an alcohol sensor (Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationNo. 2001-313696), or an alcohol detector mounted on the room mirror ofan automobile (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication NO. 09-292354).

The alcohol sensors described above, however, merely detect alcoholcontained in the breath of a user and incapable of preventing the userfrom drunken driving. Also, there has not been such a sensor capable ofpreventing a person from driving while taking drugs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention has been developed in view of the situation describedabove, and an object of the present invention is to provide a key for avehicle and a drunken driving preventing device that are capable ofpreventing the drunken driving and/or the driving while taking drugs.

In order to solve this problem, a vehicle key according to a firstaspect of the invention is a vehicle key capable of being inserted intoa key hole of a vehicle including a train, a motorbike, and anautomobile, and used for starting a prime mover of the vehicle, the keycomprising: a key portion having a forward end portion insertable intothe key hole of the vehicle; a holder portion disposed at a base endportion of the key portion; an insert prevention means projectable fromthe holder portion for preventing the key portion from being insertedinto the key hole of the vehicle; and a breath component detection meansfor detecting at least one of alcohol and drug contained in a breath ofa user, wherein the insert prevention means is adapted to beaccommodated in the holder portion in accordance with a detection resultof the breath component detection means.

The insert prevention means includes: a projection member projectablefrom the holder portion along the key portion; a spring for urging theprojection member in a direction of the projection; and a lock mechanismfor locking and maintaining the projection member in a projected state,and the lock mechanism is adapted to unlock the projection member inaccordance with the detection result of the breath component detectionmeans.

The lock mechanism includes: a plunger configured as a member engageablewith a depression on a side surface of the projection member, anddisposed on the holder portion linearly movably from an engagingposition, at which the plunger engages with the depression of theprojection member, to an evacuation position, at which the plunger failsto engage with the depression of the projection member; and a drivemeans for moving the plunger from the engaging position to theevacuation position in accordance with the detection result of thebreath component detection means. The breath component detection means,on the other hand, is configured so as to include at least one of analcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit for controlling anon/off operation of the drive means in accordance with an output signalof the at least one of the alcohol sensor and the drug sensor. Theprojection member may be disposed on the key portion.

A vehicle key according to a second aspect of the invention is capableof being inserted into a key hole of a vehicle including a train, amotorbike, and an automobile, and used for starting a prime mover of thevehicle, the key comprising: a key portion having a forward end portioninsertable into the key hole of the vehicle including a train, amotorbike, and an automobile; a holder portion for slidably holding abase end portion of the key portion and adapted to accommodate at leasta part of the forward end portion of the key portion; a retaining meansfor retaining the key portion in a state accommodated in the holderportion; a breath component detection means for detecting at least oneof alcohol and drug contained in a breath of a user; and a projectionmeans for, in accordance with a detection result of the breath componentdetection means, projecting an entirety of the forward end portion ofthe key portion so as to be insertable into the key hole.

It is preferable that the retaining means is configured as a spring forurging the key portion in a direction of the accommodation, and forsetting the forward end portion in a state uninsertable into the keyhole, and the projection means is configured as a pressure mechanismfor, in accordance with the detection result of the breath componentdetection means, projecting the entirety of the forward end portion ofthe key portion so as to be insertable into the key hole against theurging force of the spring. In this case, the breath component detectionmeans is configured so as to include at least one of an alcohol sensorand a drug sensor; and a control unit for controlling an on/offoperation of the pressure mechanism in accordance with an output signalof the at least one of the alcohol sensor and the drug sensor.

A vehicle key according to a third aspect of the invention is foroutputting a start permit signal to a vehicle including a train, amotorbike, and an automobile, and for either starting a prime mover ofthe vehicle or setting the prime mover in a ready state for starting,the key comprising: a signal output means for outputting the startpermit signal; a breath component detection means for detecting at leastone of alcohol and drug contained in a breath of a user; and aprevention means for preventing the output of the start permit signal tothe vehicle from the signal output means in accordance with a detectionresult of the breath component detection means.

The prevention means is configured so as to include a shield means forshielding the start permit signal output from the signal output means;and a drive means for moving the shield means from a shield position, atwhich the start permit signal of the signal output means is shielded, toan evacuation position, at which the start permit signal fails to beshielded, in accordance with the detection result of the breathcomponent detection means.

The breath component detection means includes an alcohol sensor and/or adrug sensor, and a control unit for controlling an on/off operation ofone of the signal output means and the drive means, in accordance withan output signal of the at least one of the alcohol sensor and the drugsensor, thereby functioning as the prevention means.

The vehicle key according to the first, second and third aspects of theinvention may comprise a sensing means for reading a physical feature ofthe user, wherein the breath component detection means includes: atleast one of an alcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit forauthenticating the user based on sensing data of the sensing means, forperforming a alcohol and/or drug to determine whether alcohol and/ordrug is contained in the breath of the user in accordance with an outputsignal of the alcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor, and the controlunit has a function of controlling an on/off operation of one of thedrive means, the pressure means, and the signal output means, either ina case where the user is not authenticated as a result of theauthentication, or in a case where alcohol and/or drug is determined tobe contained in the breath of the user as a result of the alcohol and/ordrug determination.

The control means is desirably configured to have a function ofperforming, within a predetermined period of time before and after theauthentication, the determination of at least one of alcohol and drug.In this case, the sensing means is desirably one of a voice detectionmeans for detecting voice of the user, and an image pickup means forpicking up an image of an iris of an eye of the user.

Also, the vehicle key according to the first aspect of the invention canbe configured to further include a position detection means fordetecting that the projection member is accommodated in the holderportion; and a memory unit for recording a detection result of theposition detection means.

Further, the vehicle key according to the first, second and thirdaspects of the invention may further include a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) transmitter.

Also, a drunken driving preventing device according to a first aspect ofthe invention is either mounted on or built in a vehicle including atrain, a motorbike, and an automobile, the device comprising: a breathcomponent detection means for detecting at least one of alcohol and drugcontained in a breath of a user; and an insert prevention means forpreventing a vehicle key from being inserted into the key hole of thevehicle in accordance with a detection result of the breath componentdetection means.

A drunken driving preventing device according to a second aspect of theinvention is either mounted on or built in a vehicle including a train,a motorbike, and an automobile, the device comprising: a breathcomponent detection means for detecting alcohol and/or drug contained ina breath of a user; and an operation prevention means for preventing astart operation unit for starting a prime mover of the vehicle inaccordance with a detection result of the breath component detectionmeans.

A drunken driving preventing device according to a third aspect of theinvention is either mounted on or built in a vehicle capable of startinga prime mover in response to a start permit signal output from a vehiclekey, the vehicle including a train, a motorbike, and an automobile, thedevice comprising: a breath component detection means for detecting atleast one of alcohol and drug contained in a breath of a user; and anopen/close means for openably/closably shielding a receiving unit forreceiving the start permit signal for the vehicle in accordance with adetection result of the breath component detection means.

The breath component detection means is configured to include at leastone of an alcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit forcontrolling an on/off operation of one of the insert prevention means,the operation prevention means, and the open/close means in accordancewith an output signal of the at least one of the alcohol sensor and thedrug sensor.

The drunken driving preventing device according to the first, second andthird aspects of the invention may be configured to further include asensing means for reading the physical feature of the user. The breathcomponent detection means is configured to include at least one of analcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit for authenticatingthe user based on sensing data of the sensing means, and performs adetermination of at least one of alcohol and drug, in accordance with anoutput signal of the at least one of the alcohol sensor and the drugsensor, for determining whether at least one of alcohol and drug iscontained in the breath of the user, and the control unit has a functionof controlling an on/off operation of one of the insert preventionmeans, the operation prevention means, and the switching means, eitherin a case where the user is not authenticated as a result of theauthentication, or in a case where at least one of alcohol and drug isdetermined to be contained in the breath of the user as a result of thedetermination of at least one of alcohol and drug.

The control means desirably has a function of performing, within apredetermined period of time before and after the authentication, thedetermination of at least one of alcohol and drug. In this case, thesensing means is desirably one of a voice detection means for detectingvoice of the user, and an image pickup means for picking up an image ofan iris of an eye of the user.

The alcohol sensor may be an independent entity. Also, the vehicle keymay further include a GPS transmitter.

The vehicle key according to the first aspect of the invention is soconfigured that the insert prevention means is projected from the holderportion, whereby the insertion of the key portion into the key hole ofthe vehicle is prevented and the insert prevention means can beaccommodated in the holder portion in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means. Specifically, in thecase where the breath component detection means fails to detect analcohol and/or a drug in the breath of the user, the insert preventionmeans can be accommodated in the holder portion. As a result, the keyportion can be inserted into the key hole of the vehicle and the driveunit of the vehicle can be started. In the case where an alcohol and/ora drug is detected in the breath of the user by the breath componentdetection means, on the other hand, the insert prevention means is keptprojected from the holder portion and therefore the key portion cannotbe inserted into the key hole of the vehicle. As a result, the keyportion cannot be inserted into the key hole of the vehicle, andtherefore the prime mover of the vehicle cannot be started. In this way,the drunken driving and/or driving while taking drugs can be effectivelyprevented. In addition, because no design change of the vehicle isrequired, such a key can be applied in the use for vehicles already onthe market.

The vehicle key according to the second aspect of the invention is soconfigured that the insert prevention means includes a projection memberprojected along the key portion from the holder portion, a spring forurging the projection member in the direction of projection and a lockmechanism for locking and maintaining the projection member in aprojected state. This insert prevention means can be implemented with asimple structure and therefore can advantageously reduce the cost.

The vehicle key according to the third aspect of the invention is soconfigured that the lock mechanism includes a plunger arranged on theholder portion movably linearly from an engaging position where itengages the depression of the projection member to an evacuationposition where it does not engage the depression of the projectionmember and a drive means for moving the plunger from the engagingposition to the evacuation position. The lock mechanism can beconfigured by combining the existing members and therefore the cost canbe advantageously reduced.

With the vehicle key according to the fourth aspect of the invention,existing alcohol sensors and/or drug sensors can be used, therebyleading to the advantage that the cost is further reduced.

With the vehicle key according to the fifth aspect of the invention, theprojection member is arranged on the key portion, and therefore the keyportion cannot be inserted into the key hole while the projection memberis projected. As a result, like the key described above, the drunkendriving and/or the driving while taking drugs can be effectivelyprevented.

The vehicle key according to the sixth aspect of the invention is soconfigured that at least a part of the forward end portion of the keyportion is maintained in the state accommodated in the holder portion bythe retaining means, and the breath component detection means detectsthe alcohol and/or the drug contained in the breath of the user, and inaccordance with the detection result of this breath component detectionmeans, the whole forward end portion of the key portion can be projectedand inserted into the key hole by the projection means. Specifically, inthe case where no alcohol is detected, the whole forward end portion ofthe key portion is projected from the holder portion, and therefore thekey portion can be inserted into the keyhole to start the prime mover ofthe vehicle. In the case where the alcohol and/or the drug is detected,on the other hand, the part of the forward end portion of the keyportion is maintained in the state accommodated in the holder, andtherefore the key portion cannot be inserted into the key hole of thevehicle and the prime mover of the vehicle cannot be started. As aresult, the drunken driving and/or the driving while taking drugs can beeffectively prevented. Also, because no design change of the vehicle isrequired, such a key can also be applied in the use for the vehiclesalready on the market.

The vehicle key according to the seventh aspect of the inventioncomprises a spring for urging the key portion in the direction ofaccommodation and setting the forward end portion thereof in a stateunable to be inserted into the key hole, and the projection means is apressure mechanism for projecting the whole forward end portion of thekey portion into a state adapted to be inserted into the key holeagainst the urging force of the spring in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means. The implementation ofthis simple configuration can reduce the cost advantageously.

With the vehicle key according to the eighth aspect of the invention,existing alcohol sensors and/or drug sensors can be used, and thereforethe cost can be further reduced advantageously.

With the vehicle key according to the ninth aspect of the invention, thealcohol and/or the drug contained in the breath of the user is detectedby the alcohol and/or drug sensor, and in accordance with the outputsignal of the alcohol and/or drug sensor, the prevention means preventsthe start permit signal of the signal output means from being output tothe vehicle. Specifically, in the case where no alcohol and/or drug isdetected, the start permit signal is output to the vehicle from thesignal output means, thereby the prime mover of the vehicle can bestarted or set in a state capable of being started. In the case wherethe alcohol and/or the drug is detected, on the other hand, the outputof the start permit signal from the signal output means to the vehicleis prevented by the prevention means, and therefore the prime mover ofthe vehicle cannot be started or set in a state capable of beingstarted. As a result, the drunken driving and/or driving while takingdrugs can be effectively prevented. In addition, because no designchange is required, such a key can also be applied in the use for thevehicles already on the market.

With the vehicle key according to the tenth aspect of the invention, theprevention means includes a shield means for shielding the start permitsignal that is output from the signal output means and a drive means formoving the shield means, in accordance with the detection result of thebreath component detection means, from a shield position where the startpermit signal of the signal output means can be shielded to anevacuation position where the start permit signal cannot be shielded. Inthe case where the alcohol and/or the drug is not detected, therefore,the shield means is moved to the evacuation position whereby the startpermit signal of the signal output means can be output to the vehicle.Thus, the prime mover of the vehicle can be started or set in a statecapable of being started. In the case where the alcohol and/or the drugis detected, on the other hand, the shield means is maintained in theshield position, and therefore the prime mover of the vehicle cannot bestarted nor set in a state capable of being started. By this, it ispossible to effectively prevent the drunken driving and/or the drivingwhile taking drugs. In addition, because no design change of the vehicleis required, such a key can be applied in the use for the vehiclesalready on the market.

With the vehicle key according to the eleventh aspect of the invention,the alcohol and/or the drug contained in the breath of the user isdetected by the alcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor, and in accordancewith the output signal of the alcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor, thecontrol unit controls the on/off operation of the signal output means,thereby functioning as a prevention means. Specifically, in the casewhere the alcohol and/or drug is not detected, the signal output meansis turned on (i.e. in a state capable of outputting the start permitsignal) to output the start permit signal, so that the prime mover ofthe vehicle can be started or set in a state capable of being started.In the case where the alcohol and/or the drug is detected, on the otherhand, the signal output means is maintained off (i.e. in a stateincapable of outputting the start permit signal), and therefore theprime mover of the vehicle cannot be started or set in a state capableof being started. This configuration can effectively prevent the drunkendriving and/or the driving while taking drugs.

With the vehicle key according to the twelfth aspect of the invention,the control unit of the breath component detection means performs theauthentication to determine the user is the legitimate user through thesensing means and the alcohol/drug determination to determine whetherthe alcohol and/or the drug is contained in the breath of the user inaccordance with the output signal of the alcohol sensor and/or the drugsensor of the breath component detection means. In the case where theuser is not successfully authenticated as the result of theauthentication process or the alcohol and/or drug determination resultshows that the breath of the user contains alcohol and/or drug, then theon/off operation of the drive means, the pressure means or the signaloutput means is controlled. Specifically, in the case where the personusing the key is the legitimate user and the breath of the user containsno alcohol and/or drug, the prime mover of the vehicle can be started,while in the case where it has been determined that the person using thekey is not the legitimate user or the breath of the user containsalcohol and/or drug, the prime mover cannot be started. As a result, itis possible to prevent unfair use of the key that, for example, a personother than the user exhales the breath on the alcohol sensor and/or thedrug sensor in place of the user. Also, a person other than the usercannot start the prime mover of the vehicle using the vehicle key, andtherefore the vehicle is prevented from being stolen.

With the vehicle key according to the thirteenth aspect of theinvention, the alcohol and/or drug determination is carried out within apredetermined time (say, one second or two) before and after theauthentication process, and therefore the unfair use of the key isadvantageously prevented in which a person other than the user exhaleson the alcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor in place of the user.

With the vehicle key according to the fourteenth aspect of theinvention, a voice detection means for detecting the voice of the useror an image pickup means for picking up the image of the iris of theeyes of the user is used as a sensing means. Therefore, the user isrequired to exhale on the alcohol sensor within a predetermined time(one second or two) before or after the time when the voice uttered bythe user is detected by the voice detection means or the time when theimage of the iris of the user is picked up by the camera, and it isdifficult for a person other than the user to exhale on the alcoholsensor in place of the user within the predetermined time. Therefore theunfair use may be more advantageously prevented.

With the vehicle key according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention,the position detection means detects that the projection member isaccommodated in the holder portion (i.e. the user is riding in thevehicle), and this detection result is recorded in a memory unit as therecord of the user riding in the vehicle. Therefore, by outputting thedata on the memory unit at predetermined time intervals, the history ofthe user riding in the vehicle becomes accessible and may be utilizedfor the vehicle operation management.

With the vehicle key according to the sixteenth aspect of the inventioncomprising a GPS transmitter, the user position can be retrieved or thevehicle operation management can be carried out by receiving the GPSsignal of the GPS transmitter by a management center or the like.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the seventeenthaspect of the invention, in the case where the alcohol and/or the drugis detected in the breath of the user by the breath component detectionmeans, the insertion of the key into the key hole is prevented by theinsert prevention means, and therefore the prime mover of the vehiclecannot be started. Thus, it is possible to prevent the drunken drivingeffectively.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the eighteenthaspect of the invention, upon detection of the alcohol and/or the drugin the breath of the user by the breath component detection means, theoperation of the start operation unit is prevented by the operationprevention means, and therefore the prime mover of the vehicle cannot bestarted. Thus, it is possible to prevent the drunken drivingeffectively.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the nineteenthaspect of the invention, upon detection of the alcohol and/or the drugin the breath of the user by the breath component detection means, thereceiving unit is covered by the open/close means, and therefore theprime mover of the vehicle cannot be started. Thus, it is possible toprevent the drunken driving effectively.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the twentiethaspect of the invention, existing alcohol sensors and/or the existingdrug sensors can be used, and therefore the cost may be advantageouslyreduced.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the twenty-firstaspect of the invention, the control unit of the breath componentdetection means carries out the authentication for identifying the userthrough the sensing means, and the alcohol and/or drug determination fordetermining whether the alcohol and/or the drug is contained in thebreath of the user in accordance with the output signal of the alcoholsensor and/or the drug sensor of the breath component detection means.In a case when the authentication result shows that the user is notsuccessfully identified or when the alcohol and/or drug determinationresult shows the alcohol and/or the drug is contained in the breath ofthe user, the control unit controls the on/off operation of the insertprevention means, the operation prevention means or the open/closemeans. Specifically, in the case where the person using the key is thelegitimate user and alcohol and/or drug is not contained in the breathof the user, the prime mover of the vehicle can be started, while in thecase where the person using the key is not the legitimate user or it isdetermined that alcohol and/or drug is contained in the breath of theuser, then the prime mover cannot be started. As a result, unfair use ofthe key in which a person other than the legitimate user exhales on thealcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor on behalf of the user can beprevented. Also, because a person other than the user cannot start theprime mover of the vehicle using the key, the vehicle is prevented frombeing stolen using the key.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to thetwenty-second aspect of the invention, the alcohol and/or drugdetermination is carried out within a predetermined time (say, a secondor two) before and after the authentication, and therefore the unfairuse of the key by which a person other than the legitimate user exhaleson the alcohol sensor and/or the drug sensor on behalf of the user canbe advantageously prevented.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the invention, the voice detection means for detecting thevoice of the user or the image pickup means for picking up an image ofthe iris of the eyes of the user is used as a sensing means. Therefore,the user is required to exhale on the alcohol sensor within apredetermined time (a second or two) before or after the time when thevoice uttered by the user is detected or when the image of the iris ofthe user is picked up, and it is difficult for a person other than theuser to exhale on the alcohol sensor in place of the user within thepredetermined time. Therefore, the unfair use may be more advantageouslyprevented.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to thetwenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the alcohol sensor makes up anindependent entity, and therefore can be installed or held at aneasy-to-use (easy-to-breathe on) place, thereby further improving theoperating convenience.

With the drunken driving preventing device according to the twenty-fifthaspect of the invention, including a GPS transmitter, the user positioncan be retrieved or the vehicle operation management can be carried outby receiving the GPS signal of the GPS transmitter by a managementcenter or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic front views of the holder portion of thevehicle key shown in perspective according to a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the same key;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurement program;

FIGS. 4(A) to (B) are Schematic diagrams of the vehicle key according toa second embodiment of the invention, in which (A) is a diagram showingone case, and (B) shows another case;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the other case accommodating theprojection member of the key;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the same key;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurement program;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are see-through schematic front views of the holderportion of the vehicle key according to a third embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the same key;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurement program;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the vehicle key according to a fourthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurement program;

FIGS. 13(A) to (B) are Schematic diagrams of the vehicle key accordingto a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which (A) shows the signal ofthe signal output means being shielded, and (B) the signal of the signaloutput means being not shielded;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the same key;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurement program;

FIGS. 16(A) to (C) are Diagrams showing an example of design change ofthe key shield circuit, in which (A) is a diagram showing the shieldmeans rotated in accordance with the drive of the motor, (B) a diagramshowing a shield means adapted to move along the lengthwise direction ofthe holder portion in accordance with the drive of the motor, and (C)the shield means for covering the signal output means in accordance withthe drive of the motor;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the vehicle key according to a sixthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an authentication and an alcohol determinationprogram;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the other case of the vehicle keyaccording to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the same key;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a vehicle ride record program;

FIGS. 22(A) to (B) are Diagrams showing an example of design change ofthe same key, in which (A) is a diagram showing a state in the keyportion and the signal output means are open, and (B) a diagram showinga state in which the key portion and the signal output means areaccommodated;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a drunken driving preventingdevice according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 24 is a program flowchart of an alcohol concentration measurementprogram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A vehicle key according to embodiments of the invention is explainedbelow.

First Embodiment

First, a vehicle key according to a first embodiment is explained withreference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic front viewsshowing the holder portion of the vehicle key in perspective accordingto the first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 a circuit diagram ofthe same key, and FIG. 3 a flowchart of the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program.

The vehicle key shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a key portion 100 ofwhich the forward end portion 110 is to be inserted into a key hole (notshown) of the vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile anda holder portion 200 formed at the base end portion 120 of the keyportion 100. In this case, the forward end portion 110 of the keyportion 100 constitutes a key proper to be inserted into the key hole ofthe vehicle.

The holder portion 200 is a rectangular case from which the holderportion 200 is projected, and has built therein an insert preventionmeans for preventing the key portion 100 from being inserted into thekey hole of the vehicle, a breath component detection means 500 fordetecting the alcohol contained in the breath of the user, a powerswitch 700 and a power battery not shown.

A mounting hole 210 for the key portion 100 and through holes 220, 220located on both sides of the mounting hole 210 and from which theprojection member 300 of the insert prevention means can be projectedare open at one end surface of the holder portion 200. Also, an intakehole (not shown) and a mounting hole (not shown) for the power switch700 are opened at points opposed to the alcohol sensor 510 of the breathcomponent detection means 500 on the surface of the holder portion.

The insert prevention means is configured to include a projection member300 projected along the key portion 100 from the holder portion 200, aspring 400 for energizing the projection member 300 in the direction ofprojection, and a lock mechanism 600 for locking and maintaining theprojection member 300 in a projected state in accordance with thedetection result of the breath component detection means 500.

The projection member 300 is a resin component part including a forwardend portion 310, in a shape of square with one side open projected fromthe through holes 220, 220, and a rear end portion 320 connected withthe forward end portion 310. The rear end portion 320 includesprotrusions 321, 321 in contact with an end of the spring 400 and adepression 322 engaged by the plunger 620 of the lock mechanism 600.

The spring 400 is a coil spring. This spring 400 is interposed betweenthe protrusions 321, 321 of the rear end portion 320 of the projectionmember 300 and the inside of the other end surface of the holder portion200 thereby to urge the projection member 300 in the direction ofprojection along the key portion 100.

The lock mechanism 600 includes a solenoid (i.e. a drive means) 610excited in accordance with the detection result of the breath componentdetection means 500, and a plunger 620 movable linearly by the solenoid610 and adapted to engage the depression 310 formed on the projectionmember 300. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(A), the plunger 620 isprojected to engage the depression 322 formed on the projection member300 while the solenoid 610 is not excited. As a result, the projectionmember 300 is locked and maintained in a projected state (engagingposition). In the case where the solenoid 610 is excited in accordancewith the detection result of the breath component detection means 500,on the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1(B), the plunger 620 thus farengaged in the depression 322 is evacuated and thereby the locked stateis canceled (evacuation position).

The power switch 700 is a hold-down switch available on the market. Thepower switch 700 is turned on when held down.

The breath component detection means 500, as shown in FIG. 2, includesan alcohol sensor 510 and a control unit 520 for controlling theexcitation of the solenoid 610 in accordance with the output signal ofthe alcohol sensor 510.

The alcohol sensor 510 is a semiconductor gas sensor including a firstgas sensor 511 for detecting the alcohol concentration in the breath ofthe user as a voltage and a second gas sensor 512 for detecting thecarbon dioxide in the breath of the user as a voltage.

The control unit 520 is a one-chip microcomputer. The input port of thecontrol unit 520 is connected with the first gas sensor 511, the secondgas sensor 512 and the power switch 700, while the output port thereofis connected with a solenoid 610 through the power switch 700 and anamplifier. The memory of the control unit 520 has stored therein thealcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L in the breath as a reference value.

Specifically, the control unit 520 has the function of detecting thecarbon dioxide in the breath of the user based on the output signal ofthe second gas sensor 512, determining whether the user exhaled or not,measuring the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user based onthe output signal of the first gas sensor 511, comparing thismeasurement value with the reference value, and in the case where theresult shows that the measurement value exceeds the reference value,exciting the solenoid 610.

Also, the memory has stored therein an alcohol concentration measurementprogram (FIG. 3) executed by holding down the power switch 700. Thecontrol unit 520 realizes the aforementioned functions by executing thisprogram.

The control unit 520 has built therein a timer circuit which is set toturn off upon lapse of a predetermined time after holding down 700.

The operation of each part of the vehicle key having the aforementionedconfiguration and the method of using the vehicle key are explainedbelow.

First, in the off state, the projection member 300 is energized by thespring 400 and locked by the lock mechanism 600, thereby beingmaintained in a projected state. As a result, even in the case where theinsertion of the key portion 100 into the key hole of the vehicle isattempted, the forward end portion 310 of the projection member 300comes into contact with the edge of the key hole so that only a part ofthe forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 can be inserted intothe key hole.

The user trying to ride a vehicle holds down the power switch 700. Then,the control unit 520 executes the alcohol concentration measurementprogram shown in FIG. 3 and turns on the timer circuit.

After that, based on the output signal of the second gas sensor 512, itis determined whether carbon dioxide has been detected or not (S1). Inother words, it is determined whether the user has exhaled on thealcohol sensor 510 of the holder portion 200 or not.

Upon determination that no breath is exhaled, the process of step 1 isrepeated, while on determination that the breath is exhaled, the alcoholconcentration in the breath of the user is measured based on the outputsignal of the first gas sensor 511 thereby to determine whether thealcohol concentration is not less than the reference value (S2).

As a result, upon determination that the alcohol concentration is notmore than the reference value, the solenoid 610 is excited and theplunger 620 is evacuated, thereby unlocking the projection member 300(S3). After that, the program execution is terminated.

With the projection member 300 unlocked in this way, the user insertsthe key portion 100 into the key hole of the vehicle. In the process,the forward end portion 310 of the projection member 300 comes intocontact with the edge of the key hole. Since the projection member isunlocked, however, the projection member 300 can be pushed into theholder portion 200 against the urging force of the spring 400. Thus, thewhole forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 can be insertedinto the key hole. As a result, the prime mover of the vehicle can bestarted.

Upon determination that the alcohol concentration is not less than thereference value at step 2, on the other hand, the program execution isterminated. Specifically, the plunger 620 is kept engaged in thedepression 322, and the projection member 300 is kept projected, so thatthe user cannot start the prime mover of the vehicle.

Upon lapse of a predetermined time with the timer circuit turned on inthe process of steps 1 to 3, the operation is turned off. Specifically,in the case where the breath is not exhaled on the alcohol sensor 510for a predetermined time after holding down 700, the operation turnsoff. Also, upon lapse of a predetermined time after unlocking theprojection member 300 with the solenoid 610 excited at step 3, theoperation is turned off. Then, the solenoid 610 ceases to be excited,and therefore the projection member 300 is locked again. In this way,alcohol is measured immediately before the operation starts. Power canbe saved by turning off the operation within a predetermined time.

Upon lapse of the predetermined time described above with the keyportion 100 inserted in the key hole (i.e. in operation), the operationis turned off. At the same time, the solenoid 610 is deenergized and theplunger 620 is projected. Since the projection member 300 is depressedby the edge of the key hole and kept pushed in by the holder portion200, however, the plunger 620 fails to engage the depression 322 of theprojection member 300.

When the key is pulled off from the key hole by the user at the end ofdriving, the projection member 300 is projected by the force of thespring 400. At the same time, the plunger 620 engages the depression 322of the projection member 300, which is then locked again.

With this vehicle key, assume that the alcohol concentration in thebreath of the user is not more than the reference value. The projectionmember 300 is unlocked, and therefore pushed into the holder portion 200against the urging force of the spring 400, while the whole forward endportion 110 of the key portion 100 can be inserted into the key hole ofthe vehicle. In the case where the alcohol concentration in the breathof the user is not less than the reference value, on the other hand, theprojection member 300 is not unlocked and kept projected along the keyportion 100. Therefore, the whole forward end portion 110 of the keyportion 100 cannot be inserted into the key hole, and the prime mover ofthe vehicle cannot be started. As a result, the drunken driving can beeffectively prevented.

Second Embodiment

Next, the vehicle key according to a second embodiment of the inventionis explained with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 4A and 4B areschematic diagrams showing the vehicle key according to the secondembodiment of the invention, in which (A) is a diagram showing one case,and (B) a diagram showing the other case. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagramshowing the other case with the key projection member accommodated. FIG.6 is a block diagram showing the same key, and FIG. 7 a flowchart of analcohol concentration measurement program.

The vehicle key shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes a key portion 100 thatcan be inserted into a key hole (not shown) of a vehicle such as atrain, a motorbike or an automobile, and a holder portion 200 arrangedon the base end portion 120 of the key portion 100. In this case, theforward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 makes up a main body ofthe key to be inserted into the key hole of the vehicle.

The holder portion 200 is configured as a two-piece structure includingthe cases 201, 202. The base end portion 120 of the key portion 100 isfixed by resin on the case 201. A mounting hole 210 for the key portion100 is opened at one end surface of the case 201. The case 202, on theother hand, has built therein an insert prevention means, a breathcomponent detection means 500, a start switch 700′, a source battery notshown and a LED lamp not shown. At one end surface of the case 202, athrough hole 220 from which the projection member 300 can be projectedis opened. On the surface of the case 202, an intake hole (not shown)for the alcohol sensor 510 of the breath component detection means 500,a mounting hole (not shown) for exposing the start switch 700′ and amounting hole (not shown) for exposing the LED lamp are opened.

The case 202 contains therein, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, a first guideportion 230 for guiding the projection member 300 of the insertprevention means linearly movably along the key portion 100, a secondguide portion 240 arranged at a position perpendicular to one wallsurface of the first guide portion 230, and a vertical wall 250 arrangedat the rear end in the direction of movement of the first guide portion230. The first guide portion 230 is formed as a pair of walls erected onthe case 202. The portion of that one of the walls which is in opposedrelation to the second guide portion 240 is partly cut. The second guideportion 240 is a cylindrical member having an upper opening for linearlymovably guiding the plunger 620 of the lock mechanism 600 of the insertprevention means. One end portion of the second guide portion 240 isopen, and communicates with the cut portion of the first guide portion230. As a result, the plunger 620 can intrude into the first guideportion 230. Also, the bottom surface of the second guide portion 240 isformed with an opening (not shown) from which the protrusion 621 of theplunger 620 is projected. The vertical wall 250 holds the spring 400 ofthe insert prevention means with the rear end surface of the projectionmember 300. This spring 400 urges the projection member 300 in thedirection of projection from the through hole 220.

The insert prevention means is configured of a projection member 300projected along the key portion 100 from the holder portion 200, aspring 400 for urging the projection member 300 in the direction ofprojection, and a lock mechanism 600 for keeping the projection member300 locked in a projected state in accordance with the detection resultof the breath component detection means 500.

The projection member 300 is a bar-like member guided linearly movablyby the first guide portion 230 of the case 202. The projection member300 is adapted to be projected along the key portion 100 from thethrough hole 220 of the case 202 by the urging force of the spring 400.Also, the rear end portion of the projection member 300 is formed with adepression 301 adapted to engage the plunger 620.

The lock mechanism 600 includes a plunger 620 guided by the second guideportion 240 to linearly move from an engaging position for engaging thedepression 301 of the projection member 300 to an evacuation positionnot engaging the depression 301 of the projection member 300, a spring630 fitted in the second guide portion 240 to urge the plunger 620toward the engaging position, a motor 610 (i.e. a drive means) formoving the plunger 620 from the engaging position to the evacuationposition through a gear portion 650 in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means 500, and a positiondetection switch 640 that is turned on when the plunger 620 is locatedat the evacuation position.

The plunger 620 is a bar-like member having a protrusion 621, on thelower surface thereof, projected from the opening in the bottom surfaceof the second guide portion 240, and a contact unit 622 adapted tocontact the position detection switch 640 on one transverse sidesurface.

The gear portion 650 includes gears 651 to 655 in mesh with each otherto change the rotational motion of the head portion of the motor 610 tothe linear motion of the plunger 620. The gear 651 is in mesh with thehead of the motor 610. The gear 655 is arranged under the second guideportion 240 of the case 202 and has a cam portion 655 a adapted tocontact the protrusion 621 of the plunger 620. The gears 652 to 654 arein mesh with each other between the gears 651 and 655. Specifically,with the rotation of the motor 610, the cam portion 655 a of the gear655 is rotated through the gears 651 to 654. This cam portion 655 acomes into contact with and presses the protrusion 621 of the plunger620, so that the plunger 620 is moved to the evacuation position fromthe engaging position against the urging force of the spring 630.

The position detection switch 640 is arranged at such a position as tocome into contact with the contact portion 622 of the plunger 620 whenevacuated to the evacuation position. This position detection switch640, once contacted by the contact portion 622 of the plunger 620, turnson and outputs the output signal toward the control unit 520 of thebreath component detection means 500.

The breath component detection means 500, as shown in FIG. 6, includesan alcohol sensor 510 and a control unit 520 for controlling the on/offoperation of the motor 610 in accordance with the output signal of thealcohol sensor 510.

The alcohol sensor 510 is a well-known semiconductor gas sensor adaptedso that when the breath is exhaled thereon for a predetermined time(about 2 seconds), the internal resistance of the sensor changes andthis change in the internal resistance is output as an output signal.Specifically, in the case where alcohol is contained in the breath, thealcohol is attached to the catalyst in the alcohol sensor 510 and theinternal resistance thereof undergoes a great change. By heating up thesensor, the alcohol attached to the catalyst is burned and evaporated.

The control unit 520 is a microcomputer. The input port of the controlunit 520 is connected with the alcohol sensor 510, the positiondetection switch 640 and the start switch 700′, while the output portthereof is connected with the motor 610 and the LED lamp. The alcoholconcentration of 0.14 mg/L in the breath is stored as a reference valuein the memory of the control unit 520.

Specifically, the control unit 520 has the function to measure thealcohol concentration in the breath of the user based on the outputsignal of the alcohol sensor 510, compare the measurement value with thereference value, and in the case where the result of comparison showsthat the measurement value is not less than the reference value, drivethe motor 610.

Further, the alcohol concentration measurement program (FIG. 7) isstored in the memory. The control unit implements the aforementionedfunction by executing the program. The control unit 520 has a timercircuit built therein.

The alcohol concentration measurement program executed by the controlunit 520 is specially described in detail below, together with theoperation of the various parts of the vehicle key and the method ofusing them.

First, in standby mode, it is determined whether the start switch 700′is held down or not (s1). At this time, the projection member 300 isenergized by the spring 400 while being locked by the lock mechanism 600(i.e. locked as the plunger 620 urged by the spring 630 engages thedepression 301 of the projection member 300). In this way, theprojection member 300 is kept projected. In an attempt to insert the keyportion 100 into the key hole of the vehicle, therefore, the forward endof the projection member 300 comes into contact with the edge of the keyhole with the result that only a part of the forward end portion 110 ofthe key portion 100 can be inserted into the key hole.

Upon holding down of the start switch 700′ at step 1, the control unit520 activates the timer circuit and turns on the alcohol sensor 510,which then begins to make preparations (heat up). Upon completion of theheat-up operation, the green LED lamp is turned on indicating that thepreparation is done.

After that, it is determined with reference to the count on the timercircuit whether a predetermined time (6 seconds in this case) has passedafter holding down of the start switch 700′ or not (s2). In the casewhere the determination result shows that the predetermined time haspassed, the motor 610 is kept in the off state, while the lock mechanism600 remains locked (s3). At the same time, the red LED lamp is turned onfor five seconds. Then, after executing the standby process at step 10,the process returns to step 1. In the case where the determination isthat the predetermined time has yet to be passed, on the other hand, itis determined whether the output signal of the alcohol sensor 510 isinput or not (i.e. whether the breath is exhaled on the alcohol sensor510 or not) (s4).

Upon determination that no breath has been exhaled, the process returnsto step 2. Upon determination that the output signal is input and thebreath has been exhaled, on the other hand, the alcohol concentration inthe breath of the user is measured based on the output signal of thealcohol sensor 510.

After that, this measurement value is compared with the reference valueon the memory thereby to determine whether the measurement value is notless than the reference value (i.e. whether the alcohol not less thanthe reference value is contained in the breath of the user or not) (s5).Upon determination that the measurement value is not less than thereference value (i.e. the alcohol not less than the reference value iscontained in the breath of the user), the motor 610 is kept in the offstate and the lock mechanism remains locked (s6). At the same time, thered LED lamp is turned on for 30 seconds. Then, after the standbyprocess is performed at step 10, the process returns to step 1. Upondetermination that the measurement value is less than the referencevalue, on the other hand, the green LED lamp is turned on and the motor610 is driven. Then, the gears 651 to 655 rotate, whereby the camportion 655 a of the gear 655 comes into contact with and presses theprotrusion 621 of the plunger 620. As a result, the plunger 620 movesfrom the engaging position to the evacuation position against the urgingforce of the spring 630. Once the plunger 620 is located at theevacuation position, the position detection switch 640 turns on andoutputs an output signal. Upon input of this output signal, the motor610 is stopped driving and the timer circuit is activated. In this way,the lock mechanism 600 is unlocked (s7).

Once the lock mechanism 600 is unlocked in the above manner, the usernow can insert the key portion 100 in its entirety into the key hole ofthe vehicle (FIG. 5). After the key portion 100 is inserted into the keyhole, the forward end portion of the projection member 300 in projectedstate comes into contact with the edge of the key hole, and theprojection member 300 is accommodated in the holder portion 200 againstthe urging force of the spring 400. As a result, the whole forward endportion 110 of the key portion 100 can be inserted into the key hole andtherefore the prime mover of the vehicle can be started.

After that, with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, itis determined whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this case) haspassed after the lock mechanism is unlocked (s8). Upon determinationthat the predetermined time has yet to be passed, the process isrepeated. Upon determination that the predetermined time has passed, onthe other hand, the green LED lamp is turned off and the motor 610 isstarted. Then, the gears 651 to 655 rotate whereby the cam portion 655 aof the gear 655 ceases to be in contact with the protrusion 621 of theplunger 620. Then, the plunger 620 is moved linearly from the evacuationposition by the urging force of the spring 630, and the positiondetection switch 640 is turned off. Once the output signal ceases to beinput with the turning off of the position detection switch 640, themotor 610 stops being driven. As a result, the lock mechanism 600 is putinto a state in which the lock can be restored (s9).

In the case where the key portion 100 is not inserted into the key holeat step 9, the plunger 620 is fitted in the depression 301 of theprojection member 300, and lock of the lock mechanism 600 is restored.In the case where the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 isinserted in the key hole, on the other hand, the projection member 300is accommodated in the holder portion 200 and therefore the plunger 620fails to engage the depression 301 of the projection member 300 butcomes in contact with the side surface thereof. After that, when the keyportion 100 is pulled off from the key hole, the projection member 300is moved by the force of the spring 400 in the direction of projectionfrom the holder portion 200. In the process, the plunger 620 is fittedin the depression 301 of the projection member 300, thereby the lock ofthe lock mechanism 600.

After that, the standby process is executed such as turning off of theLED lamp and the alcohol sensor 510 (s10), and the process is returnedto step 1.

With this vehicle key, in the case where the alcohol concentration inthe breath of the user is less than the reference value, the projectionmember 300 is unlocked, and therefore while the projection member 300 ispushed in the holder portion 200 against the urging force of the spring400, the whole forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 can beinserted into the key hole of the vehicle. In the case where the alcoholconcentration in the breath of the user is not less than the referencevalue, on the other hand, the projection member 100 is not unlocked andkept projected along the key portion 100. Therefore, the whole forwardend portion 110 of the key portion 100 cannot be inserted in the keyhole of the vehicle, and therefore the prime mover of the vehicle cannotbe started. Thus, the drunken driving can be prevented effectively.

The vehicle key according to the first and second embodiments describedabove is used for starting the prime mover of a vehicle by inserting itinto the key hole of the vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or anautomobile. This vehicle key comprises a key portion with the forwardend portion thereof capable of being inserted into the key hole of thevehicle, a holder portion arranged at the base end portion of the keyportion, an insert prevention means projected from the holder portionthereby to prevent the key portion from being inserted into the key holeof the vehicle, and a breath component detection means for detecting thealcohol contained in the breath of the user. The insert prevention meanscan changed in design in any way as long as it is so configured as to beaccommodable in the holder portion in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means.

The projection member 300 can be in any shape as long as it is projectedfrom the holder portion 200 and can prevent the forward end portion 110of the key portion 100 from being inserted into the key hole. Therefore,the projection member 300 can be arranged on the key portion 100. Forexample, a through hole is formed in the key portion 100 in thelengthwise direction, and the bar-like projection member 300 is insertedinto this through hole in such a manner as to be projected from theforward end of the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100.

The lock mechanism 600, which is explained above as a means using asolenoid or a motor, as an example, may alternatively be in any form aslong as a similar function can be implemented.

The breath component detection means 500 described above includes thealcohol sensor 510 and the control unit 520, and may alternatively be inany form as far as a similar function can be implemented. The referencevalue stored in the memory of the control unit 520 is illustrative, andcan be set to any arbitrary value. Also, a configuration may be employedin which the lock mechanism 600 is prevented from being unlocked,without setting a reference value, upon detection of even a slightamount of alcohol by the alcohol sensor 510.

The power switch 700 and the start switch 700′ may or may not beprovided. In such a case, the alcohol sensor 510 is required to bealways kept in the on state. The power switch 700 and the start switch700′ of any type can of course be employed.

Third Embodiment

Next, a vehicle key according to a third embodiment of the invention isexplained with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematicfront views showing the vehicle key according to the third embodiment ofthe invention including the holder portion in perspective, FIG. 9 acircuit diagram of the same key, and FIG. 10 a flowchart of an alcoholconcentration measurement program.

The vehicle key shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a key portion 100 withthe forward end portion 110 thereof insertable in the key hole (notshown) of a vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile and aholder portion for holding the base end portion 120 of the key portion100 slidably and capable of accommodating at least a part of the forwardend portion 110 of the key portion 100. The component parts identical tothose of the vehicle key according to the first embodiment are notdescribed.

The key portion 100, which is substantially similar to the key portion100 of the first embodiment, is different in that protrusions 121, 121are formed on both sides of the base end portion 120.

The holder portion 200 is a rectangular case substantially similar tothat of the first embodiment, and different in that it additionallyincludes guides 220, 220 as ridges for holding the base end portion 120of the key portion 100 slidably. Also, the holder portion 200, like inthe first embodiment, is formed with a mounting hole 210 for the keyportion 100, an intake hole (not shown) in opposed relation to thealcohol sensor 510 of the breath component detection means 500, and amounting hole (not shown) of the power switch 700.

The holder portion 200 has built therein springs 400, 400 for energizingthe key portion 100 in the direction of accommodation and setting theforward end portion 110 thereof in a state incapable of being insertedinto the key hole, a breath component detection means 500 for detectingthe alcohol contained in the breath of the user, a pressure mechanism800 for projecting the key portion 100 in such a manner as to beinsertable into the key hole against the urging force of the spring 400in accordance with the output signal of the breach component detectionmeans 500, and a power switch 700 and a source battery not shown.

The springs 400, 400 are coil springs, which are interposed between theprotrusions 121, 121 of the base end portion 120 of the key portion 100and the inside of one end surface of the holder portion 200 thereby tourge the key portion 100 in the direction of being accommodated in theholder portion 200.

The pressure mechanism 800 includes a solenoid 810 excited in accordancewith the detection result of the breath component detection means 500and a plunger 820 coupled to the solenoid 810 to press the base endportion 120 of the key portion 11 in the direction of being projected.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the plunger 820 is evacuated whilethe solenoid 810 is not excited, and a part of the forward end portion110 of the key portion 100 is accommodated in the holder portion 200.Upon excitation of the solenoid 810 in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means 500, on the other hand,as shown in FIG. 8(B), the plunger 820 is projected and the base endportion 120 of the key portion 100 is pressed thereby to keep the wholeforward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 in a projected statecapable of being inserted into the key hole.

The power switch 700 is identical to the corresponding one in the firstembodiment.

The breath component detection means 500, as shown in FIG. 9, includesan alcohol sensor 510, and a control unit 520 for controlling theexcitation of the solenoid 810 in accordance with the output signal ofthe alcohol sensor 510. The alcohol sensor 510 is identical to thecorresponding one used in the first embodiment.

The control unit 520, like in the first embodiment, is a one-chipmicrocomputer. The control unit 520 is connected with the solenoid 810.

As a result, the control unit 520, based on the output signal of thesecond gas sensor 512, detects the carbon dioxide in the breath of theuser and determines whether the user exhaled or not. At the same time,the control unit 520 has the function to measure the alcoholconcentration in the breath of the user based on the output signal ofthe first gas sensor 511, compare the measurement value with thereference value, and in the case where the measurement value exceeds thereference value, excite the solenoid 810.

Also, the memory has stored therein, in place of the alcoholconcentration measurement program shown in FIG. 3, an alcoholconcentration measurement program (FIG. 10) executed by holding down700. The control unit 520 implements the aforementioned function byexecuting this program.

The control unit 520 has built therein a timer circuit, which is set toturn off upon lapse of a predetermined time after holding down 700.

The operation of each part of the vehicle key having this configurationis explained below, together with the method of operation thereof.

First, in the off state, the key portion 100 is urged by the springs400, 400 so that a part of the forward end portion 110 of the keyportion 100 is kept accommodated in the holder portion 200. In anattempt to insert the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100into the key hole of the vehicle, therefore, the forward end portion 110of the key portion 100 cannot be inserted in its entirety into the keyhole.

The user trying to ride the vehicle holds down the power switch 700.Then, the control unit 520 executes the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program shown in FIG. 10 and starts the timer circuit at thesame time.

After that, based on the output signal of the second gas sensor 512, itis determined whether the carbon dioxide has been detected not (S10).Specifically, it is determined whether the user has exhaled on thealcohol sensor 510 of the holder portion 200.

Upon determination that the breath is not exhaled, the process of step10 is repeated, while in the case where it is determined that the breathhas been exhaled, the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user ismeasured based on the output signal of the first gas sensor 511, therebydetermining whether the alcohol concentration is not less than areference value or not (S11)

As a result, upon determination that the alcohol concentration is notmore than the reference value, the solenoid 810 is energized and theplunger 820 is caused to press the key portion 100, whereby the whole ofthe forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is kept projected inthe form insertable into the key hole (S12). After that the process ofthis program is terminated.

As long as the whole of the forward end portion 110 of the key portion100 is kept projected, the key portion 100 can be inserted into the keyhole by the user, and therefore the prime mover of the vehicle can bestarted.

Upon determination, at step 11, that the alcohol concentration is notless than the reference value, on the other hand, the program executionis terminated. Specifically, the solenoid 810 is kept deenergized and apart of the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is keptaccommodated in the holder portion 200, and therefore the user cannotstart the prime mover of the vehicle.

The timer circuit is turned on during the process of steps 10 to 12, andupon lapse of a predetermined time, the operation is turned into the offstate. Specifically, upon lapse of the predetermined time after holdingdown the power switch 700 without exhaling the breath on the alcoholsensor 510, the operation is turned into the off state. The operation isalso turned off the predetermined time has lapsed after being pressed bythe plunger 820 at step 12 to put the projection of the whole forwardend portion 110 of the key portion 100 in the state insertable into thekey hole. Then, the solenoid 810 ceases to be excited, the plunger 820is evacuated, and a part of the forward end portion 110 of the keyportion 100 is accommodated in the holder portion 200. In this way, thealcohol is measured immediately before the driving operation. By turningoff the operation upon lapse of the predetermined time as describedabove, it is possible to save the power.

In the case where the key portion 100 is inserted in the key hole (i.e.in driving operation), the operation is turned into the off state uponlapse of the predetermined time as described above. In this process, thesolenoid 810 is not excited. Although the plunger 820 attempts to beevacuated, the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is held inthe key hole, and therefore a part of the forward end portion 110 of thekey portion 100 fails to be accommodated in the holder portion 200.

When the key is pulled off from the key hole after the driving is over,the key portion 100 is energized by the springs 400, 400, thereby a partof the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is accommodated inthe holder portion 200.

With this vehicle key, in the case where the alcohol concentration inthe breath of the user is not more than the reference value, thesolenoid 810 is excited, and the plunger 820 presses the base andportion 120 of the key portion 100 against the urging force of thesprings 400, 400, and the whole of the forward end portion 110 of thekey portion 100 is projected and adapted to be inserted into the keyhole of the vehicle. In the case where the alcohol concentration in thebreath of the user is not less than the reference value, on the otherhand, the solenoid 810 is excited, the plunger 820 is evacuated, and apart of the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is keptaccommodated in the holder portion 200. Therefore, the whole of theforward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 cannot be inserted intothe key hole of the vehicle, and the prime mover of the vehicle cannotbe started. Thus, the drunken driving can be prevented effectively.

The vehicle key according to the third embodiment described above isinserted into the key hole of the vehicle such as a train, a motorbikeor an automobile and used for starting the prime mover of the vehicle.This vehicle key can be changed in design in any way, as long as itincludes a key portion with the forward portion thereof inserted intothe key hole of a vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile,a holder portion for holding the base end portion of the key portionslidably and capable of accommodating at least a part of the forward endportion of the key portion, a retaining means for keeping the keyportion accommodated in the holder portion, a breath component detectionmeans for detecting the alcohol contained in the breath of the user, anda projection means for projecting the whole forward end portion of thekey portion in such a manner as to be insertable into the key hole inaccordance with the detection result of the breath component detectionmeans.

The pressure mechanism 800 includes the plunger 820 for pressing the keyportion 100 and the solenoid 810 for linearly moving the plunger 820 asdescribed above. As long as a similar function can be realized, however,any configuration may be used. For example, the plunger 820 may belinearly moved by use of a motor or the like.

The spring 400 may or may not be included. In other words, it issufficient when at least the key portion 100 is arranged slidably on theholder 200. In this case, the key portion 100 is required to be arrangedon the holder in such a manner that the key portion 100 is accommodatedin the holder portion 200 under the pressure generated at the time ofinserting the key portion 100 into the key holder.

The breath component detection means 500 includes the alcohol sensor 510and the control unit 520 as described above. Nevertheless, anyconfiguration capable of exhibiting a similar function can alternativelybe employed. The reference value stored in the memory of the controlunit 520 is illustrative, and can be set to any arbitrary value. Also,instead of setting the reference value, a configuration may be employedin which the pressure mechanism 800 is not activated upon detection ofeven a slight amount of alcohol by the alcohol sensor 510.

The power switch 700 and the start switch 700′ may or may not beincluded. In this case, the alcohol sensor 510 required to be alwayskept in the on state. The power switch 700 and the start switch 700′ ofany type can of course be employed.

Fourth Embodiment

The vehicle key according to a fourth embodiment of the invention isexplained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a blockdiagram of the vehicle key according to the fourth embodiment of theinvention, and FIG. 12 a flowchart for the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program.

The vehicle key shown in FIG. 11 is for starting the prime mover of thevehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile by outputting thestart permit signal to the vehicle. The vehicle key comprises a signaloutput means 900 for outputting the start permit signal, a breathcomponent detection means 500 for detecting the alcohol contained in thebreath of the user, and a prevention means for preventing the signaloutput means from outputting the start permit signal to the vehicle inaccordance with the detection result of the breath component detectionmeans.

The signal output means 900 is a device for outputting the start permitsignal in such a form as a radio wave or infrared light to an antenna ora receiving port of the vehicle. An immobilizer is an example.

The start switch 700′ used in this embodiment is the same as that of thesecond embodiment.

The breath component detection means 500 is configured of an alcoholsensor 510, and a control unit 520 for controlling the on/off operationof the signal output means 900 in accordance with the output signal ofthe alcohol sensor 510. The control unit 520 functions as a preventionmeans. The alcohol sensor 510 is identical to that of the secondembodiment.

The control unit 520 is formed of a one-chip microcomputer having aninput port connected with the alcohol sensor 510 and the start switch700′ and an output port with the alcohol sensor 510 and the signaloutput means 900. The memory of the control unit 520 has stored thereina reference value similar to that of the first and second embodiments.

Specifically, the control unit 520 has the function to measure thealcohol concentration in the breath of the user based on the outputsignal of the alcohol sensor 510, compare the measurement value with thereference value, and in the case where the result shows that themeasurement value exceeds the reference value, turns off the signaloutput means 900.

Also, the memory has stored therein the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program shown in FIG. 12. The control unit 520 can exhibitthe aforementioned function by executing the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program. The control unit 520 has a timer circuit builttherein.

The operation of the control unit 520 of the vehicle key having thisconfiguration is explained below, together with the method of operationthereof.

In the standby mode, it is determined whether the start switch 700′ isheld down or not (s1). At this time, the signal output means 900 is inthe off state. Thus, the prime mover of the vehicle cannot not bestarted.

Upon holding down of the start switch 700′ at step 1, the control unit520 activates the timer circuit. The alcohol sensor 510 is turned on tobegin the preparation (heat-up) for operation. Upon completion of theheat-up, the green LED lamp is turned on indicating that the preparationis done.

After that, with reference to the count on the timer circuit, it isdetermined whether a predetermined time (6 seconds in this case) haspassed or not after holding down the start switch 700′ (s2). In the casewhere the determination result shows that the predetermined time haspassed, the signal output means 900 is kept in the off state (s3). Atthe same time, the red LED lamp is turned on for five seconds. Then,after executing the standby process at step 10, the process returns tostep 1. Upon determination that the predetermined time has yet to bepassed, on the other hand, it is determined whether the output signal ofthe alcohol sensor 510 is input or not (i.e. the breath is exhaled onthe alcohol sensor 510 or not) (s4).

Upon determination that no breath has been exhaled, the process returnsto step 2. Upon determination that the output signal is input and thebreath has been exhaled, on the other hand, the alcohol concentration inthe breath of the user is measured based on the output signal of thealcohol sensor 510.

After that, the measurement value is compared with the reference valueon the memory thereby to determine whether the measurement value is notless than the reference value or not (i.e. whether the alcohol not lessthan the reference value is contained in the breath of the user or not)(s5). Upon determination that the measurement value is not less than thereference value (i.e. that the alcohol not less than the reference valueis contained in the breath of the user), the signal output means 900 iskept in the off state (s6). Then, after the standby process is performedat step 10, the process returns to step 1. Upon determination that themeasurement value is less than the reference value, on the other hand,the green LED lamp is turned on, and the signal output means 900 isturned on. As a result, the start permit signal is output from thesignal output means 900 to the vehicle, so that the prime mover of thevehicle can be started.

After that, with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, itis determined whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this case) haspassed or not after the turning on of the signal output means 900 (s8).Upon determination that the predetermined time has yet to pass, the sameprocess is repeated. Upon determination that the predetermined time haspassed, on the other hand, the green LED lamp is turned off, and thesignal output means 900 is turned off at the same time (s9).

After that, the standby process such as turning off of the LED lamp andthe alcohol sensor 510 is executed (s10), and the process returns tostep 1.

With this vehicle key, in the case where the alcohol concentration inthe breath of the user is not more than the reference value, the signaloutput means 900 is turned into the on state. In the case where thealcohol concentration in the breath of the user is not less than thereference value, on the other hand, the signal output means 900 isturned into the off state. Thus, the user cannot start the prime moverof the vehicle. In this way, the drunken driving is effectivelyprevented.

Fifth Embodiment

The vehicle key according to a fifth embodiment of the invention isexplained below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 13A and 13B areschematic diagrams showing a vehicle key according to the fifthembodiment of the invention, in which (A) is a diagram showing the statein which the signal of the signal output means is shielded, and (B) is adiagram showing the state in which the start permit signal of the signaloutput means is not shielded. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the samekey. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the alcohol concentration measurementprogram. FIGS. 16A to 16C are diagrams showing an example of designchange of the shield means of the same key, in which (A) is a diagramshowing a shield means rotated in accordance with the drive of themotor, (B) a diagram showing the shield means adapted to move along thelengthwise direction of the holder portion in accordance with the driveof the motor, and (C) a diagram showing a pair of shield means forcovering the signal output means in accordance with the drive of themotor.

The vehicle key shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B outputs a start permit signalto the vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile to startthe prime mover of the vehicle. This vehicle key comprises a signaloutput means 900 for outputting the start permit signal, a breathcomponent detection means 500 for detecting the alcohol contained in thebreath of the user, a prevention means 1000 for preventing the output ofthe start permit signal to the vehicle from the signal output means 900in accordance with the detection result of the breath componentdetection means 500, and a holder 200 having built therein the breathcomponent detection means 500, the signal output means 900, theprevention means 1000, the source battery not shown, and the LED lamp.Each of these component parts is described in detail below.

The holder 200 is a rectangular case having an opening in opposedrelation to the output port of the signal output means 900. Atransparent plate member 210 is mounted on this opening. The holder 200includes, in addition to the opening, a mounting hole, not shown, forexposing the start switch 700′ and the LED lamp. Also, the holder 200includes a guide portion 220 for guiding the shield means 1100 of theprevention means 1000 linearly movably. The guide portion 220 is acylindrical member having an upper opening and one open end. As aresult, the forward end portion of the shield means 1100 is adapted tobe projected. A groove not shown in formed along the lengthwisedirection on the lower surface of the guide portion 220. The shieldplate 1110 and the protrusion 1120 of the shield means 1100 of theprevention means 1000 are fitted in this groove, which has an endthereof open to allow the shield plate 1110 to be projected therefrom.

The signal output means 900 outputs the start permit signal in the formof radio wave or infrared light toward the antenna or the receiving portof the vehicle. An immobilizer is an example.

The prevention means 1000 includes a shield means 1100 guided by theguide unit 220 of the holder portion 200 to linearly move from a shieldposition where the output of the start permit signal to the vehicle fromthe signal output means 900 is shielded to an evacuation position wherethe output of the start permit signal to the vehicle cannot be shielded,a spring 1200 fitted in the guide unit 220 for urging the shield means1100 toward the shield position, a drive means (motor) 1400 for movingthe shield means 1100 from the engaging position to the evacuationposition through a gear unit 1300 in accordance with the detectionresult of the breath component detection means 500, and a positiondetection switch 1500 that is turned on when the shield means 1100 islocated at the evacuation position.

The shield means 1100 is a bar-like member having a shield plate 1100 atthe forward end thereof for shielding the start permit signal from thesignal output means 900. The shield plate 1110 is formed of a permalloyor the like material easy to process. With the movement of the shieldmeans 1100, the shield plate 1110 enters or leaves the groove of theguide portion 220. A protrusion 1120 fitted movably in the groove of theguide unit 220 is formed on the lower surface at the rear end of theshield means 1100, and a contact unit 1130 adapted to contact theposition detection switch 1500 is arranged on one transverse sidesurface of the shield means 1100.

The gear unit 1300 includes gears 1310 to 1350 in mesh with each otherfor converting the rotational motion of the head portion of the drivemeans 1400 to the linear motion of the shield means 1100. The gear 1310is in mesh with the head of the drive means 1400. The gear 1350 isarranged under the guide unit 220 of the case 200 and has a cam portion1351 adapted to contact the protrusion 1120 of the shield means 1100.The gears 1320 to 1340 are interposed in mesh between the gears 1310 and1350. Specifically, with the rotation of the drive means 1400, the camportion 1351 of the gear 1350 is rotated through the gears 1310 to 1340.Thus, the cam portion 1351 comes into contact with and presses theprotrusion 1120 of the shield means 1100, so that the shield means 1100is moved from the shield position to the evacuation position against theurging force of the spring 1200.

The position detection switch 1500 is arranged at a position adapted tocontact the contact unit 1130 of the shield means 1100 located at theevacuation position. The position detection switch 1500, once contactedby the contact unit 1130 of the shield means 1100, turns on and outputsthe output signal to the control unit 520 of the breath componentdetection means 500.

The breath component detection means 500, as shown in FIG. 14, includesan alcohol sensor 510 and a control unit 520 for controlling the on/offoperation of the drive means 1400 in accordance with the output signalof the alcohol sensor 510.

The alcohol sensor 510 is a well-known semiconductor sensor, which uponexhalation of the breath thereon for a predetermined time (about 2seconds), changes in internal resistance, which change is output as anoutput signal. In this alcohol sensor 510, the alcohol, if contained inthe breath, is attached to the catalyst in the sensor and the internalresistance thereof greatly changes. The alcohol attached to the catalystis combusted and evaporated by heating up the alcohol sensor 510.

The control unit 520 is a microcomputer. The input port of the controlunit 520 is connected with the alcohol sensor 510, the positiondetection switch 640 and the start switch 700′, and the output portthereof connected with the motor 610 and the LED lamp. The memory of thecontrol unit 520 has stored therein the alcohol concentration of 0.14mg/L in the breath as a reference value.

Specifically, the control unit 520, based on the output signal of thealcohol sensor 510, measures the alcohol concentration in the breath ofthe user, compares the measurement value with the reference value, andupon determination that the measurement value is not less than thereference value, drives the motor 610.

Also, the memory has stored therein the alcohol concentrationmeasurement program (FIG. 15). The control unit 520 implements theaforementioned function by executing the program. The control unit 520has a timer circuit built therein.

The alcohol concentration measurement program executed by the controlunit 520 is explained in detail below, together with the operation ofthe various parts of the vehicle and the method of use.

First, in standby mode, it is determined whether the start switch 700′has been held down or not (s1). In the process, the shield means 1100 isenergized by the spring and located at the shield position. The startpermit signal output from the signal output means 900, therefore, isshielded by the shield plate 1110 of the shield means 1100. As a result,the prime mover of the vehicle cannot be started.

Upon holding down of the start switch 700′ a step 1, the control unit520 starts the timer circuit. The alcohol sensor 510 is turned on, andcaused to make preparation (heat up). Upon completion of the heat-up,the preparation is over and the LED lamp is turned on.

After that, it is determined whether a predetermined time (6 seconds inthis case) has passed from the holding down of the start switch 700′ ornot with reference to the count value on the timer circuit (s2). Upondetermination that the predetermined time has passed, the drive means iskept in the off state and the shield means 1100 kept at the shieldposition (s3). At the same time, the red LED lamp is turned on for fiveseconds. Then, the standby process of step 10 is executed as describedlater and the process returns to step 1. Upon determination that thepredetermined time has not yet passed, on the other hand, it isdetermined whether the output signal of the alcohol sensor 510 is inputor not (i.e. whether the breath is exhaled on the alcohol sensor 510 ornot) (s4).

Upon determination that the breath is not exhaled, the process returnsto step 2. Upon determination that the output signal is input and thebreath is exhaled, on the other hand, the alcohol concentration in thebreath of the user is measured based on the output signal of the alcoholsensor 510.

After that, this measurement value is compared with the reference valueon the memory and it is determined whether the measurement value is notless than the reference value or not (i.e. whether the breath of theuser contains the alcohol or not) (s5). Upon determination that themeasurement is not less than the reference value (i.e. the breath of theuser contains the alcohol of not less than the reference value), thedrive means 1400 is kept in the off state and the shield means ismaintained at the shield position (s6). The standby process is executedat step 10, and the process returns to step 1. Upon determination thatthe measurement value is less than the reference value, on the otherhand, the green LED lamp is turned on and the drive means 1400 isdriven. The gears 1310 to 1350 rotate, whereby the cam portion 1351 ofthe gear 1350 contacts and presses the protrusion 1200 of the shieldmeans 1100. As a result, the shield means 1100 moves to the evacuationposition from the shield position against the urging force of the spring1200. Once the shield means 1100 is located at the evacuation position,the position detection switch 1500 turns on and outputs an outputsignal. Upon application of the output signal thereto, the drive means1400 stops driving and the timer circuit is activated. In this way, thesignal output means 900 becomes ready to output the start permit signalto the vehicle (s7). Thus, the user can start the prime mover of thevehicle by outputting the start permit signal of the signal output means900 to the vehicle.

After that, with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, itis determined whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this case) haspassed or not from the lock is canceled (s8). Upon determination thatthe predetermined time has not yet passed, the same process is repeated.Upon determination that the predetermined time has so passed, on theother hand, the green LED lamp is turned off and the drive means 1400 isdriven. Then, the gears 1310 to 1350 rotate, whereby the cam portion1351 of the gear 1350 ceases to be in contact with the protrusion 1120of the shield means 1100. Then, the shield means 1100 is linearly movedfrom the evacuation position to the shield position by the urging forceof the spring 1200. The position detection switch 640 turns off, and theoutput signal thereof ceases to be input, thereby stopping the drive ofthe shield means 1100. In this way, the output of the start permitsignal of the signal output means 900 to the vehicle is shielded againby the shield means 1100 (s9).

After that, the standby process is executed by extinguishing the LEDlamp and turning off the alcohol sensor 510 (s10), and the processreturns to step 1.

With this vehicle key, as long as the alcohol concentration in thebreath of the user remains less than the reference value, the startpermit signal can be output from the signal output means 900, andtherefore the prime mover of the vehicle can be started. In the casewhere the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user is not lessthan the reference value, on the other hand, the output of the startpermit signal to the vehicle from the signal output means 900 is keptshielded by the shield means 1100, and therefore the signal output means900 cannot output the start permit signal to the vehicle. Specifically,the prime mover of the vehicle cannot be started, thereby effectivelypreventing the drunken driving.

The vehicle key according to the fourth and fifth embodiments describedabove can be changed in design any way as long as the start permitsignal can be output to the vehicle such as a train, a motorbike or anautomobile and the prime mover of the vehicle can be set in a statecapable of being started on the one hand, and the vehicle key comprisesa signal output means for outputting the signal, a breath componentdetection means for detecting the alcohol contained in the breath of theuser and a prevention means for preventing the output of the startpermit signal to the vehicle from the signal output means in accordancewith the detection result of the breath component detection means on theother hand. Specifically, the invention is applicable not only to thevehicle of which the prime mover is started by the start permit signalfrom the signal output means as described above, but also to the vehicleof which the prime mover is set in a state capable of being started byholding down a start button or the like on the vehicle.

The prevention means 1000 may assume any form as long as it can preventthe output of the start permit signal to the vehicle from the signaloutput means 900. For example, the signal output means 900 is rotated,and the start permit signal of the signal output means may be output tothe parts other than the plate member 210 of the holder 200.

The shield means 1100 is a bar-like member having the shield plate 1110at the forward end thereof as described above. Nevertheless, anyconfiguration can be employed in which the start permit signal of thesignal output means may be shielded. As shown in FIG. 16(A), forexample, a cylindrical shield means 1100 of permalloy or the like may beused to rotate the shield means 1100 and shield the signal output means900 in accordance with the drive of the motor 610. Also, as shown inFIG. 16(B), the cylindrical shield means 1100 is moved along thelengthwise direction of the holder portion thereby to shield the signaloutput means 900. In this case, the output unit of the signal outputmeans 900 is kept shielded, and therefore the signal of the signaloutput means 1100 is required to be strengthened. Further, as shown inFIG. 16(C), the shield means 1100 may include a first shield portion1101 fixed on the holder portion 200 or the like, and a second shieldportion 1102 for shielding a part of the signal output means 900 and thefirst shield portion 1101 in accordance with the drive of the motor 610.

The breath component detection means 500 includes the alcohol sensor 510and the control unit 520 as described above. However, any configurationwhich can realize a similar function can be employed. The referencevalue stored in the memory of the control unit 520 is illustrative andcan be set to any arbitrary value. As another alternative, aconfiguration without the reference value can be employed in which witheven a slight amount of alcohol detected by the alcohol sensor 510, thesignal output means 900 is not turned on or the drive means 1400 of theprevention means 1000 is not activated.

The start switch 700′ may or may not included. In this case, the alcoholsensor 510 is required to be kept on. The power switch 700 and the startswitch 700′ of any type can of course be used.

Sixth Embodiment

The vehicle key according to a sixth embodiment of the invention isexplained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a blockdiagram of the vehicle key according to the sixth embodiment of theinvention, and FIG. 18 a flowchart for the authentication process andthe alcohol determination program.

The vehicle key shown in FIG. 17 is substantially similar inconfiguration to the vehicle key according to the second embodiment, theonly difference being the provision of the sensing means 2000 forreading the physical feature of the user. This difference is explainedin detail below and the duplicated portions are not explained.

The sensing means 2000 may be a fingerprint authentication sensor, animage pickup means such as a camera for reading the pattern of the bloodvessel, the irises, the face or the signature, or a voice detectionmeans for detecting the voice of the user. Specifically, the sensingmeans 2000 is configured to read the physical feature (such as thefingerprints, the blood vessel pattern, the irises, the face or thesignature) of the user or detect the voice of the user and outputs theresulting sensing data to the control unit 520 of the breath componentdetection means 500.

The input port of the control unit 520 is connected with the sensingmeans 2000. The memory of this control unit 520, instead of the alcoholconcentration measurement program, has stored therein the authenticationprogram and the alcohol determination program shown in FIG. 18. Also,the memory has stored therein the reference data of the physical featureof the user (such as the fingerprints, blood vessel pattern, irises,face or the signature, user's voice). This reference data is readthrough the sensing means 2000 and stored in the memory at the time ofinitialization. The control unit 520 exhibits the function of alcoholdetermination and authentication by executing the authentication andalcohol determination program described above.

The authentication and alcohol determination program executed by thecontrol unit 520 is described in detail below, together with theoperation of the various parts of the vehicle key and the method of usethereof.

First, in standby mode, it is determined whether the start switch 700′is held down or not (s1). In the process, the projection member 300 isurged by the spring 400 while at the same time being locked by the lockmechanism 600 (i.e. locked in such a manner that the plunger 620energized by the spring 630 comes to engage the depression 301 of theprojection member 300), thereby keeping the projection member 300 in aprojected state (refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B). In an attempt to insert thekey portion 100 into the key hole of the vehicle, therefore, the forwardend portion of the projection member 300 comes into contact with theedge of the key hole and therefore only a part of the forward endportion 110 of the key portion 100 can be inserted into the key hole.

Upon holding down of the start switch 700′ at step 1, the sensing means2000 and the alcohol sensor 510 are turned on, so that the alcoholsensor 510 begins the preparation (heat-up) (s2). Upon completion of theheat-up, the preparation is over and the green LED lamp is turned on. Atthe same time, the timer circuit is started.

After that, with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, itis determined whether a predetermined time (6 seconds in the case underconsideration) has passed or not from the holding down of the startswitch 700′ (s3). When it is determined that the predetermined time haspassed, the motor 610 is kept in the off state, and the lock mechanism600 is kept locked (s4). In the process, the red LED lamp is turned onfor five seconds, while at the same time turning off the timer circuit.Then, the standby process described later is executed at step 16, andthe process returns to step 1.

Upon determination at step 3 that the predetermined time has not passed,it is determined whether the sensing data has been input from thesensing means 2000 or not (s5). Upon determination that no sensing datais input, the process returns to step 3. Upon determination that thesensing data is input, on the other hand, the detection data (such asthe image data of the fingerprints, the blood vessel pattern, theirises, the face or the signature of the user, the voice data of theuser, etc.) is prepared based on the sensing data and compared with thereference data on the memory thereby to execute the authenticationprocess to identify the person involved as a user (s6). In the casewhere the authentication process shows that the person is not thelegitimate user, the motor 610 is kept in the off state and the lockmechanism 600 maintains the locking state (s7). At the same time, thered LED lamp is turned on for five seconds. Then, the standby process ofstep 16 is executed, and the process returns to step 1.

Upon determination by the authentication process at step 6 that theperson is the legitimate user, the authentication is successful and thegreen LED lamp is turned on. At the same time, the timer circuit isreset, and with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, it isdetermined whether a predetermined time (one second or two) has passedor not from the successful authentication (s8). This predetermined timeis about a time length during which no other person than the user canmake the alcohol determination described later after the authenticationprocess. When it is determined that the predetermined time has passed,the motor 610 is kept in the off state, and the lock mechanism 600 iskept locked (s9). At the same time, the red LED lamp is turned on forfive seconds, while at the same time turning off the timer circuit. Thestandby process of step 16 is executed and the process returns to step1.

Upon determination at step 8 that the predetermined time has yet topass, it is determined whether the output signal is input from thealcohol sensor 510 or not (i.e. whether the breath is exhaled on thealcohol sensor 510 or not) (s10). Upon determination that not breath hasbeen exhaled, the process returns to step 8. Upon determination that theoutput signal is input and the breath is so exhaled, on the other hand,the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user is measured based onthe output signal of the alcohol sensor 510.

After that, the measurement value is compared with the reference valueon the memory to determine whether the measurement value is not lessthan the reference value (i.e. whether the alcohol of not less than thereference value is contained in the breath of the user) (s11). Upondetermination that the measurement value is not less than the referencevalue (i.e. the alcohol in an amount not less than the reference valueis contained in the breath of the user), the motor 610 is kept in theoff state while the lock mechanism 600 maintains the locking mode (s12).At the same time, the red LED lamp is turned on for 30 seconds. Thestandby process of step 15 is executed and the process returns to step1. Upon determination that the measurement value is less than thereference value, on the other hand, the green LED lamp is turned onwhile at the same time starting the motor 610. Then, the gears 651 to655 rotate and the cam portion 655 a of the gear 655 comes into contactwith and presses the protrusion 621 of the plunger 620. As a result, theplunger 620 moves to the evacuation position from the engaging positionagainst the urging force of the spring 630. Once the plunger 620 islocated at the evacuation position, the position detection switch 640turns on and outputs an output signal. Upon application of this outputsignal thereto, the motor 610 stops, and the timer circuit is started.In this way, the lock mechanism 600 turns to the unlocking mode (s13).

Once the locking mode is canceled, the user can insert the whole keyportion 100 into the key hole of the vehicle (refer to FIG. 5). Once thekey portion 100 is inserted into the key hole, the forward end portionof the projection member 300 in projected state comes into contact withthe edge of the key hole and the projection member 300 is accommodatedin the holder portion 200 against the urging force of the spring 400. Asa result, the whole forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 canbe inserted into the key hole, and therefore the prime mover of thevehicle can be started.

After that, it is determined with reference to the count value on thetimer circuit whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this case) haspassed from the unlocking operation or not (s14). Upon determinationthat the predetermined time has not passed, this process is repeated.Upon determination that the predetermined time has passed, on the otherhand, the green LED lamp is turned off while at the same time startingthe motor 610. Then, the gears 651 to 655 rotate, whereby the camportion 655 a of the gear 655 ceases to contact the protrusion 621 ofthe plunger 620. Then, the plunger 620 is moved linearly from theevacuation position by the urging force of the spring 630 and theposition detection switch 640 is turned off. With the turning off of theposition detection switch 640 and the cessation of the input of theoutput signal, the drive of the motor 610 is stopped. As a result, thelock mechanism 600 becomes ready to lock again (s15).

In the case where the key portion 100 is not inserted into the key holeat step 15, the plunger 620 is fitted in the depression 301 of theprojection member 300 thereby to restore the locking state of the lockmechanism 600. In the case where the forward end portion 110 of the keyportion 100 is inserted into the key hole, on the other hand, theprojection member 300 is accommodated in the holder portion 200, andtherefore the plunger 620 fails to engage the depression 301 of theprojection member 300 and comes into contact with the side surfacethereof. After that, when the key portion 100 is pulled off from the keyhole, the projection member 300 is moved in the direction of projectionfrom the holder portion 200 by the urging force of the spring 400. Inthe process, the plunger 620 is fitted in the depression 301 of theprojection member 300, and the lock mechanism 600 restores the lockingstate.

After that, the LED lamp and alcohol sensor 510 are turned off and thestandby process executed (s16), after which the process returns to step1.

This vehicle key can produce the same effects as the second embodiment.In addition, the provision of the sensing means for reading the physicalfeatures of the user and the fact that the alcohol determination processis conducted after the authentication process based on the sensing dataof the sensing means can suppress the unfair use in which the lockmechanism 600 is illegally unlocked. Also, the persons other than theuser cannot use the vehicle key, and therefore the vehicle is preventedfrom being stolen using the key, thereby contributing to the crimeprevention.

Especially in the case where the voice detection means or the imagepickup means for reading the irises (iris camera) as a sensing means2000, the voice uttered by the legitimate user is detected by the voicedetection means or the image of the irises of the user is picked up bythe camera, after which the breath is required to be exhaled on thealcohol sensor 510 by the user within a predetermined time (one secondor two). Specifically, the persons other than the user cannot exhale thebreath on the alcohol sensor 510 on behalf of the user, and thereforethe lock mechanism 600 is prevented from being unlocked illegally. Inthis case, a microphone having such a directivity as to catch only thesound in a predetermined direction is used as a voice detection means.The sensitivity of the microphone is such as to be capable of catchingthe sound at the distance (about 1 cm to 20 cm) between the microphoneand the sound source (i.e. the mouth). The use of the microphone havingthis directivity makes impossible the situation in which, with a personother than the user holding the vehicle key and prepared for exhalingthe breath on the alcohol sensor 510, the user utters a voice in theneighborhood of the person other than the user to cause the voicedetection means to detect the voice of the user so that the control unit520 grants an authentication.

The control unit 520 makes an authentication and within a predeterminedtime thereafter, an alcohol determination as described above. As analternative, the authentication process and the alcohol determinationcan be carried out at the same time, or the authentication process maybe carried out within a predetermined time after the alcoholdetermination. Also, the control unit 520 may be configured to have thefunction of turning on the alcohol sensor 510 upon determination thatthe user is successfully authenticated. This design change can produce asimilar effect to the aforementioned cases. In the case where theauthentication process determines that the legitimate user is notinvolved, several determination sessions may be repeated. Also, thephysical features of several persons as well as the user himself/herselfare desirably recorded as a reference data in the memory. The referencedata can be desirably recorded in the memory only by the distributors oragents selling the vehicle key but not by the user. In the case wherethe fingerprint authentication sensor is used, this sensor can be usedin place of the power switch or the start switch.

The sensing means 2000 may not be arranged on the holder portion 200.Specifically, the sensing means 2000 may be formed as an independententity connected to the vehicle key through a radio or wiredcommunication means.

The vehicle key according to the sixth embodiment is described above asa configuration having the sensing means 2000 of the vehicle keyaccording to the second embodiment. Nevertheless, the vehicle keyaccording to the first, third, fourth, or fifth embodiment may also havethe sensing means 2000. Of course, a program similar to theauthentication and alcohol determination program can be used as aprogram to be executed by the control unit 520.

Seventh Embodiment

A vehicle key according to a seventh embodiment of the invention isexplained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a schematicdiagram showing the other case of the vehicle key according to theseventh embodiment of the invention, FIG. 20 a block diagram of the samekey, and FIG. 21 a flowchart of the vehicle ride recording program as anexample of design change of the same key, in which (a) is a diagramshowing the state in which the key portion and the signal output meansare open, and (b) a diagram showing the state in which the key portionand the signal output means are accommodated.

The vehicle key shown in FIGS. 19, 20 has a substantially similarconfiguration to the vehicle key according to the second embodiment, andthe difference lies in that the vehicle key according to this embodimentcomprises a position detection means 3000 for detecting that theprojection member 300 is accommodated in the case 202 of the holderportion 200, a memory unit 4000 for recording the detection result ofthe position detection means 3000 and an output unit 5000 for outputtingthe data of the memory unit 4000. This difference is explained in detailbelow, while the duplicated portions are not explained again.

A position detection switch is used as the position detection means3000. This position detection means 3000 is arranged at such a positionadapted to contact a part of the projection member 300 accommodated inits entirety in the case 202 of the holder portion 200. The positiondetection means 3000 is turned on by being contacted by a part of theprojection member 300 and outputs the output signal to the control unit520 of the breath component detection means 500. By detecting theaccommodated position of the projection member 300 in this way, the userriding in the vehicle can be detected.

The memory unit 4000 is for recording the data in response to aninstruction from the control unit 520. This memory unit 4000 hasrecorded therein the fact that the output signal of the positiondetection means 3000 has been input (i.e. the fact that the user isriding the vehicle) and the time thereof.

The control unit 520 is a microcomputer having built therein a clockunit 521 for counting the time. The control unit 520 has the input portthereof connected the position detection means 3000 and the memory unit4000 and the output port thereof connected to the memory unit 4000 andthe output unit 5000. The control unit 520, when supplied with theoutput signal of the position detection means 3000, has the function ofrecording the fact indicating that the user is riding in the vehicle andthe current time in the memory unit 4000 with reference to the clockunit 521. The vehicle ride record program shown in FIG. 21 is recordedin the memory of the control unit 520. The control unit 520 exhibitsthis function by executing the vehicle ride record program.

The output unit 5000 is an output terminal. Specifically, by connectinga computer or the like to the output unit 5000, the data recorded in thememory nit 4000 can be read.

The vehicle ride record program executed by the control unit 520 and theoperation of each part are explained in detail. First, in standby mode,it is determined whether the output signal of the position detectionmeans 3000 has been input or not (s1). Specifically, it is determinedwhether the user is riding in a vehicle or not. In the process, theforward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is inserted into the keyhole and the projection member 300 comes into contact with the edge ofthe key hole. Thus, the forward end portion 110 is accommodated in thecase 202 of the holder portion 200 (i.e. the user rides the vehicle).Then, a part of the projection member 300 accommodated in the case 202of the holder portion 200 comes into contact with the position detectionmeans 3000, so that the position detection means 3000 is turned on andoutputs an output signal. Then, step 1 determines that the output signalof the position detection means 3000 has been input, and the fact thatthe output signal is input is recorded in the memory unit 4000indicating that the user is riding in the vehicle, while at the sametime recording the present time in the memory unit 4000 by reference tothe clock unit 521 (s2). Then, returning to step 1, the same process isrepeated.

In this way, the data (the input of the output signal of the positiondetection means 3000 and the history thereof) recorded in the memoryunit 4000 is output through the output unit 5000 at predetermined timeintervals.

With this vehicle key, the history of the user riding in the vehicle andthe time involved are recorded in the memory unit 4000. By outputtingthe data from the memory 4000 at predetermined time intervals,therefore, the data concerning the user riding in the vehicle can beutilized for the operation management.

The position detection means 3000 is a position detection switch asdescribed above. Nevertheless, any member capable of implementing asimilar function can alternatively be used. The output unit 5000, on theother hand, may be constituted of a communication unit for transmittingthe data on the memory unit 4000 sequentially to a management center notshown.

The vehicle key according to this embodiment can of course have otherdevices, such as a GPS transmitter, a charge circuit for charging thepower battery and a remote controlled door lock mechanism for remotelycontrolling the door lock by outputting a signal to the vehicle.

In the presence of the GPS transmitter, the GPS signal from the GPStransmitter is received by the management center through a GPSsatellite, whereby the vehicle key can be used for detecting theposition of the vehicle key holder or controlling the operation of thevehicle associated with the vehicle key.

In the presence of the charge circuit, an AC adaptor, for example, isconnected to the charge circuit thereby to charge the source battery. Inthis case, the residual capacity of the source battery is detected andin the case where the detected value is not more than a predeterminedvalue, the LED lamp or the like is lit to inform the user.

In the embodiment described above, the breath component detection meansis configured as an alcohol sensor for detecting the alcohol containedin the breath of the user. As an alternative to the alcohol sensor, adrug sensor for detecting narcotics such as the drug or the thinner maybe included. Of course, a configuration having both the alcohol sensorand the drug sensor is also applicable.

The vehicle key according to the first, second, or third embodiment canbe combined with the vehicle key according to the fourth or fifthembodiment. As shown in FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, for example, the signaloutput means 900 is arranged at the base end portion of the key portion1000, and the base end portion 120 is held rotatably on the holderportion 200. The rotary shaft 121 of the base end portion 120 is formedwith a threaded groove adapted to engage the gear unit, and the motor610 is connected through this gear. Specifically, the control unit 520drives the motor 610 in accordance with the output signal of the alcoholsensor 510, so that the key portion 100 is rotated around the rotaryshaft 121 of the base end portion 120, and in accordance with thisrotation, the forward end portion 110 of the key portion 100 is movedfrom the position (FIG. 22(B)) at which it is accommodated in the holderportion to the projection position (FIG. 22(A)) at which the forward endportion 110 is projected from the holder portion 200. At the same time,the output port of the signal output means 900 moves from the position(FIG. 22(B)) directed into the holder portion 200 to the position (FIG.22(A)) directed outward. In this case, the motor 610 functions as aretaining means and a projection means.

Also, the vehicle key constituted of a combination of the examplesdescribed above can of course be combined with the sixth and seventhembodiments.

Eighth Embodiment

A drunken driving preventing device according to an eighth embodiment ofthe invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 23is a schematic diagram showing a drunken driving preventing deviceaccording to the eighth embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 24 aflowchart of the alcohol concentration measurement program.

The drunken driving preventing device shown in FIG. 23 is mounted on avehicle 10 such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile, and configuredsubstantially in a similar manner to the vehicle key according to thesecond embodiment. The difference lies in the shape of the holderportion 200 and the insertion prevention means for preventing the keyfrom being inserted into the key hole of the vehicle 10. The differenceis explained in detail below, while omitting the explanation of theduplicated portions.

The holder portion 200 is a cylindrical member mounted on the vehicle 10and has a hole portion 210 for exposing the key hole 11. The holderportion 200 is mounted on the vehicle 10 with adhesive or the like. Thehole portion 210 makes up a hole into which the vehicle key is insertedand a hole for insertion into the key hole 11.

The insert prevention means includes an on/off door 6100 mountedrotatably on the holder portion 200, and a drive means 6200 such as amotor for rotating the on/off door 6100 from an open position foropening the hole portion 210 to a close position for closing the holeportion 210. Also, the rotary shaft of the on/off door 6100 has a gearunit (not shown) in mesh with the head portion (not shown) of the drivemeans 6200. Specifically, the drive means 6200 is driven so that thehead portion thereof is rotated, whereby the on/off door 220opens/closes the hole portion 210 of the holder portion 200.

The breath component detection means 500 has substantially the sameconfiguration as the breath component detection means 500 according tothe second embodiment. The difference lies in that the control unit 520measures the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user based onthe output signal of the alcohol sensor 510, compares the measurementvalue with the reference value, and in the case where the result showsthat the measurement value is not less than the reference value, drivesthe drive means 6200.

The memory of the control unit 520 has stored therein the referencevalue of the alcohol concentration as in the second embodiment and thealcohol concentration measurement program shown in FIG. 24. The controlunit 520 can implement the function described above by executing thealcohol concentration measurement program. The control unit 520 has atimer circuit built therein.

The alcohol concentration measurement program executed by the controlunit 520 and shown in FIG. 24 is explained in detail, together with theoperation of the various parts of the vehicle key and the method ofusing the same.

First, in standby mode, it is determined whether the start switch 700′has been held down or not (s1). In the process, the on/off door 6100 isclosed and the holder portion 200 closes the hole portion 210.Therefore, the vehicle key cannot be inserted into the key hole.

Upon holding down of the start switch 700′ at step 1, the timer circuitis started. Then, the alcohol sensor 510 is turned on, thereby causingthe alcohol sensor 510 to make preparation (heat-up). Upon completion ofthe heat-up, the preparation is over and the green LED lamp is turnedon.

After that, it is determined with reference to the count value on thetimer circuit whether a predetermined time (6 seconds in this case) haspassed or not after holding down of the start switch 700′ (s2). Upondetermination that the predetermined time has so passed, the drive means6200 is kept in the off state (s3). At the same time, the red LED lampis turned on for five seconds. Then, the standby process of step 10described later is executed, and the process returns to step 1. Upondetermination that the predetermined time has not passed, on the otherhand, it is determined whether the output signal of the alcohol sensor510 is input or not (i.e. whether the breath is exhaled on the alcoholsensor 510 or not) (s4).

Upon determination that the breath has not been so exhaled, the processreturns to step 2. Upon determination that the output signal is inputand the breath has been exhaled, on the other hand, the alcoholconcentration in the breath of the user is measured based on the outputsignal of the alcohol sensor 510.

After that, the measurement value is compared with the reference valueon the memory, and it is determined whether the measurement value is notless than the reference value (i.e. whether the alcohol of not less thanthe reference value is contained in the breath of the user or not) (s5).Upon determination that the measurement value is not less than thereference value (i.e. the alcohol in the amount not less than thereference value is contained in the breath of the user), the drive means6200 is kept in the off state (s6). At the same time, the red LED lampis turned on for 30 seconds. The standby process of step 10 is executed,and the process returns to step 1. Upon determination that themeasurement value is less than the reference value, on the other hand,the green LED lamp is turned on while at the same time starting thedrive means 620. Then, the on/off door 6100 rotates from close to openposition, and the timer circuit is activated at the same time. In thisway, the on/off door 6100 is located at open position (s7). As a result,the hole portion 210 of the holder portion 200 is opened, and thereforethe key can be inserted into the key hole 11.

After that, with reference to the count value on the timer circuit, itis determined whether the predetermined time (30 seconds in this case)has passed from the time of opening the on/off door 6100 (s8). Upondetermination that the predetermined time has not passed, the sameprocess is repeated. Upon determination that the predetermined time haspassed, on the other hand, the green LED lamp is turned off while at thesame time activating the drive means 6200. The on/off door 6100 rotatesfrom the open to close position (s9). As a result, the hole portion 210of the holder portion 200 is closed again.

After that, the standby process including the turning off of the LEDlamp and the turning off of the alcohol sensor 510 is executed (s10),and the process returns to step 1.

With this drunken driving preventing device, in the case where thealcohol concentration in the breath of the user is less than thereference value, the on/off door 6100 rotates from close to openposition, and the hole portion 210 of the holder portion 200 is opened,thereby making it possible to insert the key into the key hole 11. Inthe case where the alcohol concentration in the breath of the user isnot less than the reference value, on the other hand, the on/off door6100 is located at the close position, and the hole portion 210 of theholder portion 200 is kept closed. Therefore, the key cannot be insertedinto the key hole 11, and the prime mover of the vehicle cannot bestarted. As a result, the drunken driving can be prevented effectively.

The drunken driving preventing device is mounted on or built in avehicle such as a train, a motorbike or an automobile, and can bechanged in design in any manner as long as it comprises a breathcomponent detection means for detecting the alcohol contained in thebreath of the user and an insert prevention means for preventing theinsertion of the key into the key hole of the vehicle in accordance withthe detection result of the breath component detection means.

Specifically, the breath component detection means 500, which includesthe alcohol sensor 510 and the control unit 520 as described above, mayinclude any other means as long as a similar function can be realized.The reference value stored in the memory of the control unit 520 isillustrative and can be set to any arbitrary value. Also, instead of thereference value, a configuration may be employed in which the lockmechanism 600 is not unlocked in the case where even a slight amount ofalcohol is detected by the alcohol sensor 510. The breath componentdetection means 500 is described as a configuration having the alcoholsensor 510 for detecting the alcohol contained in the breath of theuser. In place of the alcohol sensor, however, a drug sensor fordetecting a drug such as a narcotic or thinner may be used. Both thealcohol sensor and the drug sensor can of course be included in aconfiguration.

The insert prevention means includes the on/off door 6100 and the drivemeans 6200 for rotating the on/off door 6100 as described above. As longas the key insertion into the key hole 11 can be prevented, however, anymeans can be employed. For example, the on/off door 6100 may be replacedwith a configuration in which the projection member is projected in sucha manner as to cover at least a part of the key hole 11 so that the keycannot be inserted into the key hole 11. The on/off door 6100 can beconfigured to close the hole portion 210 of the holder portion 200 tosuch a degree that the key cannot be inserted into the key hole 11.

In a vehicle having a start operation unit (such as a start button) forstarting the prime mover in place of the key hole 11, the insertprevention means functions as an operation prevention means to preventthe operation of the start operation unit in accordance with thedetection result of the breath component detection means 500. Also, in avehicle having a receiving unit for receiving the start permit signaloutput from the vehicle key instead of the key hole for starting theprime mover in place of the key hole 11, the insert prevention meansfunctions as an switching means to control the on/off operation of thereceiving unit of the vehicle in accordance with the detection result ofthe breath component detection means 500. In this case, the on/off door6100 is configured to close the hole portion 210 of the holder portion200 in its entirety. The operation prevention means and the switchingmeans cannot employ a configuration with a projection member. In thecase where the receiving unit is arranged in the neighborhood of the keyhole 11 or the start operation unit, the switching means may cover boththe key hole 11 or the start operation unit and the receiving unit.

This drunken driving preventing device can be built in the vehicle asdescribed above. In this case, the insert prevention means is soconfigured that the on/off door 6100 closes the front or the internalspace of the key hole 11 to prevent the key from being inserted or thatthe projection member is projected into the front or internal space ofthe key hole 11 to prevent the key from being inserted. The operationprevention means is configured in such a manner that the front surfaceof the start operation unit is closed by the on/off door 6100 to preventthe depression thereof or a part of the start operation unit and thestart operation unit are engaged with each other by the projectionmember to prevent the depression thereof. The switching means is soconfigured that the on/off door 6100 closes the front surface of thestart operation unit to prevent the depression thereof.

The alcohol sensor 510 of the drunken driving preventing device can bean independent member. In this case, the output signal of the alcoholsensor 510 is output to the control unit 520 through a radio or wiredcommunication means. In the case where a radio communication channel isused, a portable information terminal such as a remote controller can beused or the communication means may be built in the existing portableinformation terminal such as a mobile phone. In the case where a wiredcommunication line is used, on the other hand, a portable informationterminal such as a remote controller may be arranged on the vehicle orbuilt in the steering wheel of the vehicle.

The drunken driving preventing device can of course have built thereinthe sensing means 2000 of the vehicle key according to the sixthembodiment or the related configuration. The sensing means 2000 with orwithout the alcohol sensor 510 may be an independent member.

1. A vehicle key for outputting a start permit signal to a vehicleincluding a train, a motorbike, and an automobile, and for eitherstarting a prime mover of the vehicle or setting the prime mover in aready state for starting, the key comprising: a signal output means foroutputting the start permit signal, the start permit signal being aradio wave or infrared light signal; a breath component detection meansfor detecting at least one of alcohol and drug contained in a breath ofa user; and a prevention means for preventing the start permit signaloutputted by the signal output means from arriving at the vehicle inaccordance with a detection result of the breath component detectionmeans, wherein the prevention means includes: a shield means forshielding the start permit signal that is outputted from the signaloutput means; and a drive means for moving the shield means from ashield position, at which the start permit signal of the signal outputmeans is shielded, to an evacuation position, at which the start permitsignal fails to be shielded, in accordance with the detection result ofthe breath component detection means.
 2. The vehicle key according toclaim 1, wherein the breath component detection means includes: at leastone of an alcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit forcontrolling an on/off operation of one of the signal output means andthe drive means, in accordance with an output signal of the at least oneof the alcohol sensor and the drug sensor, thereby functioning as theprevention means.
 3. The vehicle key according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a sensing means for reading a physical feature of the user,wherein the breath component detection means includes: at least one ofan alcohol sensor and a drug sensor; and a control unit forauthenticating the user based on sensing data of the sensing means, andfor performing at least one of alcohol determination and drugdetermination to determine whether at least one of alcohol and drug iscontained in the breath of the user in accordance with an output signalof the at least one of the alcohol sensor and the drug sensor, whereinthe control unit has a function of controlling an on/off operation ofone of the drive means and the signal output means, either in a casewhere the user is not authenticated as a result of the authentication,or in a case where at least one of alcohol and drug is determined to becontained in the breath of the user as a result of the at least one ofalcohol determination and drug determination.